Removing Oil Stains from Clothes
Many of us have found ourselves in the situation of trying to remove oil stains from a garment. Whether you’re dealing with cooking oil splatters, a car lubricant mark, or a drop of cosmetic oil, this article will provide tips on how to get oil stains out of clothes.
Before Washing
- Check the care label on the garment.
- Do not use heat to remove oil from clothes as this can cause the stain to set in.
- If solvent-based products are suggested for the garment, consult a dry cleaner for advice about removing the oil.
- Cover the oil stain with a thick layer of talcum powder, borax powder or cornstarch.
- Leave the powder in place for 20 minutes to absorb the oil from the garment.
- Do not rub the powder into the fabric as this can cause the stain to be worse.
- Brush off the powder and check the garment to see if the stain is still visible.
Washing Oil Stains
- If the stain is visible, boil 150ml of water and pour over the stain.
- Using a little bit of dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth, dab the stain gently.
- Rinse off the soapy water with a wet cloth and hot water.
- Repeat steps if necessary.
- Before placing the garment in the washing machine, apply a pre-wash stain remover.
- Select the hottest water cycle possible for the fabric, and a laundry detergent that has an oil-busting ingredient.
- Allow to air dry.
- If the stain persists after washing, repeat the above steps.
Removing Oils from Dry-Clean Only Garments
- Do not try to remove the oil from the garment yourself. Seek professional help from a dry cleaner.
- Make sure to give the dry cleaner the full history of the stain, including what the garment is made of and what caused the stain.
By following these steps, you can remove oil stains from your clothes. Remember to read the care label when removing any type of stain, so as not to damage the garment.